Smell the Lilacs celebrates the contribution of a founding member of our Club, and a great cyclist, Murray Dean. As a young pioneer,
he and two other Canadians, plus three Americans created and manned the first weather station in the Arctic post World War 2. After two
years, he returned to Napanee and was offered a career in purchasing, by his friend, Bruce McPherson,
owner of the Gibbard furniture factory. It was there where the bicycle became an important vehicle in his life. Murray brought many into
the sport, and together with others, including Tom Sylvester, and cyclists from Queens University, they formed the club which is now
KVC. Originally a racing club, incorporated in 1986, Murray fostered the spirit of group riding, training and fun into every ride.
Murray competed in the Masters into his 80's. He passed away in 2004.
Murray Dean created the Lilac ride, and through his daughters, Heather and Mary-Anne we have his original notes, route map and cue sheet.